Like America itself, the musical elements of jazz are very much a melting pot of African and European styles and techniques.

“The Afro Cuban Fusion”

Friday, May 19 at 7 PM

Sunday, May 21 at 2 PM

Bowe Theatre at Hood River Valley High School

1220 Indian Creek Rd in Hood River.

Historians and lovers of jazz call this form of jazz, “Afro-Cuban,” because it reflects its Black roots mixed with the dance rhythms of the Caribbean and South America.

To honor this style, and some of the great Latin composers and arrangers, the CGOA Jazz Collective Big Band and director Michael Paul present “The Afro-Cuban Fusion,” two concerts on May 19 and 21. The concerts will include big band arrangements by jazz giants like Chick Corea, Paquito d’Rivera and many more. If dance rhythms like mambo, cha cha and tango make you want to move, this is the concert for you. Afro-Cuban music is high energy, passionate and exciting.

Tickets are $25 for adults ($15 for CGOA members), $5 for youth ages 10-17, and free for kids under 10. Tickets are available at gorgeorchestra.org. A limited number of $5 tickets are available for those with Oregon Trail/SNAP cards or the Washington equivalent.

For information about all CGOA events, visit gorgeorchestra.org, or check out gorgeorchestra on Facebook and Instagram.